What happened
On July 26, 1991, a Piper PA-28/140, registration PT-CKE, was performing a training flight from Santos Dumont Airport (SBRJ) to Jacarepaguá (SBJR). Upon returning to SBRJ, the pilot followed air traffic control instructions to enter the traffic pattern for runway 02L. During the approach, the crew's attention was diverted by a formation of Brazilian Air Force aircraft flying nearby.
As the aircraft attempted to intercept the approach path, the pilot established a low glide slope. While attempting to correct the descent at approximately 100 feet above the water and 200 meters from the runway threshold, the aircraft encountered wake turbulence from a previously landed Fokker 27. The pilot attempted to correct the pitch with elevator input but failed to apply sufficient power. The aircraft lost lift, entered a descending turn to the right, and struck the sea surface. The impact caused the aircraft to submerge.
The investigation
CENIPA investigators examined the wreckage and the flight crew's performance. The investigation focused on the aircraft's approach speed, the impact angle, and the crew's situational awareness. The investigation found that the aircraft was maintained at 70 mph during the final approach, which was 10 mph below the required speed for the configured landing.
Investigators also reviewed the cockpit environment, noting that the instructor had become complacent due to the pilot's satisfactory performance in previous maneuvers. Furthermore, the investigation looked into the lack of emergency preparedness, noting that the crew had not conducted a detailed briefing on ditching procedures and was not wearing life jackets at the time of the accident.